Jim Ross Interview Recap from Between The Ropes
Posted: Nov 14th 2007 By: CMBurnham
Between The Ropes
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Central Florida's Sports Radio 740 The Team
Simulcast online at BetweenTheRopes.com
On Wednesday night, November 7, WWE commentator Jim Ross joined hosts Brian Fritz, Dickerman, and Vito DeNucci live on Between The Ropes on Central Florida's Sports Radio 740 The Team to discuss his favorite WrestleMania moments, the current state of the business, his contract status, and much more.
The interview began with some discussion of WrestleMania coming to Florida for the first time ever. Jim said that given strong history of Florida Championship Wrestling back in the territory days it's probably past due to have WrestleMania in the state.
The WrestleMania talk continued with Jim discussing what makes it such a special event. He said that during his 20 years in the business before coming to the WWE he still never missed a WrestleMania. Even as a he has worked in wrestling he has remained a fan and there is nothing bigger for wrestling fans than WrestleMania. "For me at my first WrestleMania, after 20 years, I felt like I had arrived in the major leagues to participate in what I and my peers feel is the Super Bowl of Wrestling."
Asked what his favorite WrestleMania memories have been Ross mentioned getting the chance to watch the Rock take on Steve Austin at WrestleMania 17. He noted that it was particularly memorable since he was watching two guys he had hired main event in the sold out Astrodome.
Ross also mentioned WrestleMania 15 as one of his favorites. "In Philly I came back from the Bell's Palsy. That was another Rock/Austin main event, the first one. I had been sick with Bell's Palsy and they had lobbied for Vince McMahon to let me call that main event. That was really moving, because I probably wasn't physically ready. My heart was ready and the passion was there, but I had to hold my face up to talk. I felt extremely self conscious but it helped me get over that. It was kind of like getting pushed into deep water, you either sink or swim and it was time for me to get back into the deep water again and see if I could swim."
Jim then discussed his current role of just being a broadcaster instead of also being the head of talent relations as he had been in the past. He said that his old job was challenging but rewarding and eventually became an unending 7 day rotation where he "couldn't do anything but the job." Jim said he's having a lot of fun just commentating and enjoys all the time he has now to hang out with his family, work on his restaurant business, and follow Oklahoma football.
On his future with the WWE Jim said that "I realize I have more years in than I have left. I'd like to work a few more years under this schedule and then focus on my restaurant projects; I'd like to go out on my terms, if possible. If that's not the company's vision and they have the vision to replace me sooner than I believe I'm ready then that's their prerogative. I've done very well, so I'll have no regrets. I think that if all goes well in a perfect world I'd help prepare my successor for his or her opportunity and then hang around the company." Jim also said he would like to get out of commentating before people begin to feel he has gone past his prime.
Jim talked about his feelings on the current state of the business. "I like more steak than sizzle. I like physicality, athleticism, drama, and confrontation. All those things stir emotions in me. I have to also remember I'm 55 years old, I'm not in the target demo. I'm not 12-17 or 18-34; so on a personal level I'd like to see the wrestlers focus on telling a better story in the ring, utilizing more strategies in the ring instead of relying on holds, moves, and maneuvers. I think some guys use sensationalistic moves and maneuvers more than they need to; I think they have their place, but their seasoning, they're not the entre. I'm not disillusioned with the product, I'd like to see it go back to more basics and be more reality based."
Lastly, on the often rumored issue of his contract status Jim said "My contract is up soon. I signed a one year deal last fall which I was very happy to do. I wanted to sign a one year deal because coming off my colon surgery and health issues I wanted to make sure I could still get the job done. I didn't want to embarass myself, but I think my work is holding up okay. Right now we're negotiating and I don't see anything on the horizon that's going to keep us from signing our deal soon and keeping my in the WWE for the next couple years or so, maybe even beyond that.
To listen to the entire Jim Ross interview, including Jim discussing the constant rumors of his firings, the potential of international markets, and wearing a toga at WrestleMania 9, as well as the entire November 7 th edition of Between The Ropes in streaming audio, visit the show online at http://www.BetweenTheRopes.com . Join us for
Between The Ropes for two hours every Wednesday night at 10:00pm ET on
Central Florida's Sports Radio 740 The Team and worldwide on
BetweenTheRopes.com .
Supplemental Information
Spotlight in History
- 1984 The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton) def. The Rock-N-Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) for the MSW Mid-South Tag Team Titles
- 2004 Se7en & Li'l Joe def. Bernie Donderwitz & Mr. Brown for the ACW Tag Team Titles
- 2004 Li'l Joe def. Bernie Donderwitz for the ACW Hardcore Title
- 2009 Maniac Mike def. Kareem Sadat for the SWCW Hardcore Title
- 2009 Sage def. Rage Logan for the SWCW Cruiserweight Title
- 2010 Damien Morte def. Crisstopher Crow for the SWCW Cruiserweight Title
- 2015 Brad Michaels def. Jermaine Johnson for the IZW Heavyweight Title
- 2020 Cody Burns def. Drake Gallows for the BCW Heavyweight Title
- 2021 Luke Savage def. Garcia for the ASP Mid-American Title
- 2021 Malik Mayfield became the ASP Livestream Champion
Week of Sun 05-17 to Sat: 05-23
- 05-17 1965 Bull Curry def. Karl Kox for the WCCW Texas Brass Knuckles Title
- 05-17 1971 Dusty Rhodes def. Bill Watts for the TSW North American Title
- 05-17 1986 Bruiser Brody def. Rick Rude for the WCCW Television Title
- 05-17 1987 The Lightning Express (Brad Armstrong & Tim Horner) def. Rick Steiner & Sting for the UWF Tag Team Titles
- 05-17 1996 The Bad Boyz (Krull Danzig & Brett Knight) def. The Texas Outlaws (Bobby Burns & Dan Wilder) for the WWEmp Tag Team Titles
- 05-17 2008 El Super Colibri def. Tim Rockwell for the ComPro Oklahoma X Division Title
- 05-17 2008 Michael York def. Brett Taylor for the SECW Light Heavyweight Title
- 05-17 2008 Michael York became the SECW Eastern Oklahoma Champion
- 05-17 2009 Kevin Morgan became the AWFUL Heavyweight Champion
- 05-17 2014 The Sexy Camachos (Angel Camacho & Roberto Camacho & Vinnie Camacho) def. Team Bull (The Bronze Bull & Bobby Starr) for the IZW Tag Team Titles
- 05-17 2025 El Gallardo def. E-Bone for the EPW International Title
- 05-17 2025 Anarchy [2nd] def. Brandon Warhawk for the UWE Apex Title
- 05-17 2025 Faded Ghoul def. Fuel for the UWE Heavyweight Title
- 05-17 2025 Deacon Hendrix def. Father Padge for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-18 1970 Boris Malenko def. Mil Mascaras for the WCCW American Heavyweight Title
- 05-18 1973 Jose Lothario def. Blackjack Mulligan for the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title
- 05-18 1979 Mark Lewin became the WCCW Texas Brass Knuckles Champion
- 05-18 1984 Gino Hernandez def. Jimmy Garvin for the WCCW American Heavyweight Title
- 05-18 2007 Lonnie Valdez & Epic became the ACW Tag Team Champions
- 05-18 2013 The P.I.N.K. Nation (Ray Martinez & Tommy Toops) def. Bobby Burns & Sam Stackhouse (substituting for Psycho Sawyer) for the SRPW Tag Team Titles
- 05-18 2013 B-Arthur became the SRPW Womens Champion
- 05-18 2013 Anarchy [2nd] def. The Mercenary for the UWE Heavyweight Title
- 05-18 2014 Striker def. Robert Lee for the WFC Hometown Heroes Title
- 05-18 2019 Skylar Slice def. Erica for the MSWA Ladies Title
- 05-18 2024 Black Flag Rising (Anarchy [2nd] & The Faded Ghoul) def. The War Hearts (Brandon Warhawk & Seth Daniels) for the UWE Tag Team Titles
- 05-18 2024 Voiceless Society (Tyler Watts & E-Bone) def. Malachi & Ozzy Hendrix for the CAPW Tag Team Titles
- 05-19 1937 Hugh Nichols def. Bobby Chick for the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title
- 05-19 1980 Gino Hernandez def. Kevin Von Erich for the WCCW American Heavyweight Title
- 05-19 1984 The Super Destroyers (Super Destroyer 1 & Super Destroyer 2) def. The Rock & Soul Connection (Buck Zumhofe & King Parsons) for the WCCW American Tag Team Titles
- 05-19 1989 Super Zodiac II & Cactus Jack def. Jeff Jarrett & Kerry Von Erich for the WCCW World Tag Team Titles
- 05-19 1989 Super Zodiac def. Eric Embry for the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title
- 05-19 2007 Brent Albright def. Rocco Valentino for the NWA-U Universal Heavyweight Title
- 05-19 2007 Texas, Inc. (Tim Rockwell & Bernard Funk) def. Mass Destruction (Spoiler 2000 & The Bounty Hunter) for the NWA-U Universal Tag Team Titles
- 05-19 2012 Ignition def. Steven Sterling for the ComPro Showtime Title
- 05-19 2012 Super Skunk Ape, Jr. def. Se7en for the ComPro Oklahoma X Division Title
- 05-19 2018 Jerry Dean/Jerry Storm became the BPW Lion Heart Champion
- 05-19 2018 Aaron Anders def. Michael Wolf for the ComPro Heavyweight Title
- 05-19 2023 Brody Wortman def. Skidz for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-19 2023 Skidz def. Brody Wortman for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-19 2023 Jason Simon def. Skidz for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-19 2023 Drake Gallows def. Jason Simon for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-19 2023 Punk Synister def. Drake Gallows for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-19 2023 Jason Simon def. Punk Synister for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-19 2023 Brandon Groom def. Jason Simon for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-19 2023 Punk Synister def. Brandon Groom for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-19 2023 Jason Simon def. Punk Synister for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-19 2023 Nibira def. Jason Simon for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-19 2023 Mikey O'Shea def. Nibira for the MajCW 24/7 On Call Title
- 05-20 1980 Junkyard Dog def. Terry Gordy for the MSW Louisiana Title
- 05-20 2006 Impact Inc. (John Zorthos & Bernie Donderwitz) def. The Old School Assassins (Brad Michaels & Seth Allen) for the IZW Tag Team Titles
- 05-20 2006 John O'Malley became the IZW Cruiserweight Champion
- 05-20 2017 Robyn Reid def. Erica for the IZW Womens Title
- 05-20 2017 Beach Bod Gods (Angel Camacho & Ray the Bae) def. Nemesis (Rage Logan & Damien Morte) for the IZW Tag Team Titles
- 05-20 2017 Kevin Morgan def. Johnny Z for the IZW Heavyweight Title
- 05-20 2017 Riker def. Mr. Nasty for the UWE Heavyweight Title
- 05-20 2022 Wesley Crane def. Anarchy [2nd] for the UWE Heavyweight Title
- 05-20 2023 Royal Pimpin' (Alex Royal & Mr. Nasty) def. Southern Aristocracy (Eddie LeVaughn & Anthony Wild) for the UWE Tag Team Titles
- 05-20 2023 Cappuccino Jones def. Dan Webber for the UWE Heavyweight Title
- 05-21 1984 Kevin Von Erich def. Killer Khan for the WCCW Television Title
- 05-21 2004 Cade Sydal def. X-Cal for the SRPW Light Heavyweight Title
- 05-21 2004 Michael Faith def. Butch Dalton for the TPW Heavyweight Title
- 05-21 2004 New Canada (AWOL & Jon Davis) def. Sexy Bologna (Anthony Jackson & Sudden Impact) for the TPW Tag Team Titles
- 05-21 2016 Skylar Slice def. Athena for the IZW Queens Title
- 05-21 2017 Von Erichs (Marshall Von Erich & Ross Von Erich) def. The Arrow Club (Kyle Hawk & Ky-Ote) for the IWR Tag Team Titles
- 05-21 2017 Von Erichs (Marshall Von Erich & Ross Von Erich) def. The Arrow Club (Kyle Hawk & Ky-Ote) for the TCW Tag Team Titles
- 05-22 1955 Mike Clancy def. Ricki Starr for the TSW Oklahoma Junior Heavyweight Title
- 05-22 1972 Bill Watts def. Dale Lewis for the TSW North American Title
- 05-22 1985 The Nightmare [1st]/The Masked Champion/The Champion def. Terry Taylor for the MSW North American Heavyweight Title
- 05-22 2009 Texas Outlaws, Inc. (Tim Rockwell & Bernard Funk & Bobby Burns & J. W. Hardin) became the TAP Tag Team Champions
- 05-22 2021 DNR (Drake Gallows & Revan) def. Rejecs LM (Elijah Sparks & Dr. Corvus) for the EPW Tag Team Titles
- 05-22 2021 Father Padge def. Revan for the BCW Buzzsaw Title
- 05-22 2021 Paul Puertorico became the XDWF New GenX Champion
- 05-23 1984 The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton) def. The Rock-N-Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) for the MSW Mid-South Tag Team Titles
- 05-23 2004 Se7en & Li'l Joe def. Bernie Donderwitz & Mr. Brown for the ACW Tag Team Titles
- 05-23 2004 Li'l Joe def. Bernie Donderwitz for the ACW Hardcore Title
- 05-23 2009 Maniac Mike def. Kareem Sadat for the SWCW Hardcore Title
- 05-23 2009 Sage def. Rage Logan for the SWCW Cruiserweight Title
- 05-23 2010 Damien Morte def. Crisstopher Crow for the SWCW Cruiserweight Title
- 05-23 2015 Brad Michaels def. Jermaine Johnson for the IZW Heavyweight Title
- 05-23 2020 Cody Burns def. Drake Gallows for the BCW Heavyweight Title
- 05-23 2021 Luke Savage def. Garcia for the ASP Mid-American Title
- 05-23 2021 Malik Mayfield became the ASP Livestream Champion
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- UWO · May 21st 2026 · Oklahoma City
- FIW · May 16th 2026 · Enid
- TexPro · May 16th 2026 · Ardmore
- EPW · May 16th 2026 · Arcadia
- UWE · May 16th 2026 · Tahlequah
- UWO · May 14th 2026 · Oklahoma City
- LCW · May 9th 2026 · Bristow
- NAW · May 9th 2026 · Watts (Chewey)
- UWO · May 8th 2026 · Oklahoma City
- UWO · May 7th 2026 · Oklahoma City
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